Transform your garden into the ultimate staycation spot with Wickes’ top summer deals (aff)
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Why face motorway traffic when you can make your back garden the ultimate retreat? Here are 5 budget-friendly Wickes deals on outdoor furniture, parasols, and BBQs
With warm summer temperatures hitting the UK, the thought of sitting in endless motorway traffic or navigating packed airport terminals just to get away feels less like a holiday and more like an endurance test.
Given how much of our hard-earned cash gets poured into the monthly mortgage anyway, turning your own back garden into a private retreat makes complete sense.
Home retailer Wickes has slashed prices across its summer range, making it easier than ever to turn your patio into a domestic sanctuary.
From full lounge setups to the essential staycation barbecue, here are 5 top picks to upgrade your garden this season.
Five affordable upgrades to turn your garden into a summer retreat
Charles Bentley Rustic Metal Bistro Set (Sage Green) (£158)
If you have limited space - like a compact patio, balcony, or paved courtyard - a bulky rattan lounge set just isn't practical.
This three-piece powder-coated metal set brings an effortless, vintage European coffee shop aesthetic to your morning routine.
The sage green leaf motif adds subtle botanical style, while the weather-resistant finish means you don't have to panic and drag it inside the second a classic British summer drizzle starts.
Charles Bentley FSC Acacia 6-Seater Wooden Oval Dining Set (£335)
For larger families or anyone hosting weekend get-togethers, a small set just won't cut it.
Finding a complete six-seater solid wood dining setup under £350 is a rare find in today's market, making this set a standout choice for filling a main lawn or large patio space without blowing the holiday budget.
Crafted from sustainably sourced FSC-certified Acacia wood, the set features a spacious oval table complete with a central parasol hole for peak-afternoon shade.
Best of all for practical year-round living, all six matching chairs fold flat in seconds - so you can easily tuck them away into a shed or garage when winter rolls around.
Keter Mallorca Sun Lounger (Graphite Grey) (£145)
If your ideal holiday involves stretching out with a good book and soaking in the afternoon sun, a dedicated lounger is the ultimate staycation luxury.
At £145, it delivers that holiday resort feel at a fraction of the cost of a week abroad.
Built from heavy-duty, weather-resistant resin in a stylish graphite grey jute-texture finish, it requires virtually zero maintenance - no rust, no wood staining, and no need to panic if you leave it out in a sudden shower.
It features four adjustable reclining positions so you can switch easily from reading to sunbathing, and folds down compactly for easy winter storage.
Norfolk Leisure Carrousel Parasol (Grey) (£125)
When the afternoon sun is at its peak, having dedicated shade isn't just a comfort—it's essential for keeping your patio usable all day.
Rather than opting for a plain, utilitarian umbrella, this Carrousel parasol adds a distinct touch of Mediterranean boutique-hotel style to your garden setup.
Featuring decorative beaded drop tassels along the trim, it adds instant character to any dining table or lounger area.
The 180g polyester canopy is fully showerproof, meaning it shields you from midday glare while doubling up as shelter if a sudden UK summer drizzle passes through.
Tower 2-in-1 Smoker & BBQ Grill (£70)
As a Kiwi writing this, I can tell you there is no sadder sight in a New Zealand backyard than a complete lack of a proper 'barbie' - and honestly, the same rule applies to a summer garden here in Leeds, right?
No staycation is complete without outdoor cooking, but spending hundreds on a massive multi-burner gas rig just isn't necessary during a cost of living squeeze.
At just £70, this Tower 2-in-1 setup offers incredible value, doubling as both a classic charcoal grill for weekend burgers and a dedicated smoker for slow-cooked meats.
It features an integrated temperature gauge, adjustable airflow vents for precise heat control, and a durable steel body with cool-touch handles so you can cook safely.